Book overview
A novel inspired by a true story. Thomas "Tommy" Holmes was a proud Canadian yearning for adventure outside of his hometown, Owen Sound. Influenced by his brother and father, Tommy lies about his age to enlist in the global conflict that ravaged Europe on four different war fronts. Instead of finding adventure in the realm of patriotism, he finds himself in a world of hell albeit Trench Warfare and incompetent leaders. Determined and supported out of love, Tommy overcomes unimaginable obstacles from Vimy Ridge to Passchendaele and becomes the youngest Canadian Victoria Cross recipient in history.
A story told from different perspectives, The Ghost of Vimy Ridge explores not only Tommy's journey through the trenches of Europe, but also Canada's tribulations over the course of five years and how The Great War deeply affected our nation. From the civil unrest of the suffragette movement to the insufferable psychological damage the brave men and women endured for the price of peace, and the addiction that has haunted used to this very day.
It is a story written not just for those who value history, but also for those who get inspired to tell their own story. It is a piece of literature that not only connects to today's society and its tribulations, but also is an honest look at history and tells the stories history textbooks have ignored.